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What do the words “massage therapy” suggest to you? Perhaps you imagine a sun-splashed California resort with tanned starlets getting rubdowns from hunky guys. Maybe you think of battered athletes receiving therapeutic massage from their trainers in the locker room, or tired executives getting rejuvenated at a day spa in the corporate headquarters.

Massage therapy is all of these and more. Since ancient times people have used massage therapy to relax tired and overworked muscles, reduce stress, treat sports injuries, and feel better. Lasting benefits of massage therapy include improved circulation and the elimination of waste products from muscles. Many people have a massage therapist whom they see on a regular basis.

There are over 80 different types, or modalities, of massage. These modalities include Swedish massage, Shiatsu, reflexology, neuromuscular massage, sports massage, and many more. Each one is different. For example, Shiatsu massage, also called acupressure, is a finger-pressure technique that unblocks energy flow in the body. Reflexology is the use of pressure applied to the feet in order to influence other parts of the body and the internal organs. Aromatherapy uses scented oils to enhance the massage experience. Most professional massage therapists know and use more than one modality.

Massage therapists work in a wide variety of settings, including private practices, sports medicine facilities, corporations, cruise ships, day spas, and fitness centers. Many massage therapists make house calls or travel to serve their clients. While many work on a regular schedule, this is a career with a high degree of flexibility.

Career prospects. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in the current decade from 2008 to 2018 employment for massage therapists is expected to increase 19 percent, faster than the average for all occupations. In the years ahead it is expected that the number of spas and massage clinic franchises will continue to grow. As the population ages but people live longer and stay active, more and more people will require the services of trained massage therapists.

How do you enter this growing career area? Not just anyone can be a professional massage therapist. Most states and the District of Columbia have laws regulating massage therapy. Many states require that massage therapists pass the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB). The exam is administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), and there are several eligibility requirements. In some states, candidates must have completed a state-approved training course, or demonstrate training experience.

If you want to prepare for a career as a massage therapist, getting the right training can be a big help. A reputable college directory website such as Education-For-Careers provides free information about licensed massage therapy schools. Their programs often cover subjects such as the study of organs and tissues, physiology, anatomy, kinesiology, business, ethics, and the study of motion and body mechanics. Of course, most also provide students with experience in the hands-on practice of massage techniques.

Getting started is easy. If you enjoy using your hands to help people feel better and live happier lives, then you should explore the career opportunities in massage therapy. You can get free information by logging onto a reputable college directory website. Simply enter the search terms that are appropriate for you, such as “massage therapy California.” You’ll be presented with the leading massage career schools that meet your criteria. In minutes you can compare programs, financial aid options, and flexible schedules. Then just click on the schools you like in order to get more free information from the schools themselves. It only takes a few minutes to get your training started!

Although massage therapy can help people to relax and enjoy getting rid of tense muscles, there is more to it than that. It’s an art that can provide healing, enable people to live better lives, and more. If you happen to be interested in massage, then you consider getting involved in one of the massage careers out there today.

Career Options

Many people decide to get involved in massage therapy classes to work their way up to a career in massage therapy. Although some may get started because they are curious about the art, there are others that want to learn how they can help others and provide them with relaxation and great feelings. There are some people that consider massage careers because they like the great opportunities out there for those in this field and the money that they can make practicing in this career as well. There are more and more people in America that are health conscious and according to many studies, massage offers a great way to treat many different problems.

Once you go through a therapy course, you are able to start up your own business. You can also work in spas, at resorts, in health centers, cruise ships, hospitals, and many other places. If you don’t even have a clinic of your own, those who get involved in these careers ear at least $15 per hour and often a whole lot more. So the opportunity to make some money with this career is definitely there.

Try Some Informal Sessions

There are a variety of different courses out there that can help to prepare you for massage careers. You’ll also find that there are a variety of schools that provide these types of classes as well. Of course before you decide that this is the right career for you, it’s a good idea to go to some informal sessions to see if this is really something that you are interested in.

There are many colleges and health centers that will provide massage therapy introductory classes. This will give you some history of massage, and overview of techniques and a look at the problems that massage can treat. You’ll learn the basics and it will help you figure out if this is a good option for you.

Going to Formal Training

If you decide that massage careers are right for you, then you can go on into formal training. Take the time to check out the schools that offer these types of classes. Ensure they are accredited and make sure that you’ll get the training needed to pass the state exams you have to pass to become licensed. If you are serious about your career in massage, then you will definitely want to take the board exam.

When you start taking your formal classes, you’ll find that there are a variety of types of massage that you will be learning. Of course you’ll learn about more than just massage. You’ll also learn about medicine, pathology, and even business practices as well. All of this education can help to prepare you so that you can begin a good business in massage and have a career that will be satisfying and lucrative in the future.

Dennis Frank writes informational articles on a variety of interesting subjects including information about Massage Careers

To learn more about Massage Careers, please visit http://www.coloradomassageinfo.com

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